HB291 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Firearms, Gun Protection Violence Act

Summary

HB291 would create a Gun Violence Protective Order Act that lets courts issue orders to remove firearms from people deemed an immediate danger to themselves or others.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would allow courts to issue ex parte (immediate) and one-year gun violence protective orders. It would require the respondent to surrender all firearms and ammunition to local police, provide procedures for renewal or termination of the orders, and establish penalties for violations. It also sets up reporting to state and national background-check systems and outlines how firearms surrendered under the order are stored, returned, or disposed of.

Who It Affects

• Respondents subject to the orders would be required to surrender all firearms and ammunition and could face penalties if they violate the order or fail to comply.
• Petitioners (law enforcement officers, teachers, and family members who file petitions) would be able to seek protective orders to prevent someone from accessing firearms and would participate in hearings and related procedures.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Gun Violence Protective Order Act, allowing ex parte orders and one-year protective orders when a respondent poses an immediate danger of personal injury to self or others.
• Requires surrender of all firearms and ammunition owned, possessed, or controlled by the respondent, with receipts and filing requirements for surrendered items.
• Provides for renewal or early termination of the one-year order, with hearing timelines and burden-of-proof standards.
• Imposes criminal penalties for violating an order or for filing a petition with false information; fines described as Class C misdemeanor penalties.
• Requires reporting of orders to ALEA and inclusion in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for background checks.
• Defines key terms (ex parte order, one-year order, petitioner, respondent, etc.) and outlines procedures for petitions, notices, hearings, and relinquishment.
• Addresses return or disposal of surrendered firearms, including storage costs, possible dealer transfer, and timelines for disposal if unclaimed.
• Notes that the bill is exempt from certain local-funds requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or changes a crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Firearms